Categories

Tom Hanks is seen more in award-winning feature films rather than in recent celebrity news articles and magazines, but when word was received that his 24-year-old son, Chet Hanks, was a cocaine addict in need of drug rehabilitation treatment, the media was quick to hit the press and spread the news to the public. Although addiction still comes with an unfortunate and unjust stigma in today’s society, the public tends to be frequently intrigued by the appeal of events in the lives of celebrities and their families that involve substance use-related issues.

Chet Hanks: Recovering Cocaine Addict

Chet Hanks, son of Tom Hanks and known as rapper Chet Haze for his career, got entangled in a life of drugs at the mere age of 16 years old. A source explained how his father “always preached that his children make their own way in the world” but the reality with substance use disorders is that it is blind to love and affection. It’s no longer a matter of not caring for the person or disobeying their rules but more so comes down to the fact that addiction is an actual illness. It was revealed in Chet’s popular 2011 drug glamorization rap music that he was a fan of alcohol and marijuana. However, Chet’s situation grew worse this past year when his disease progressed, as it was exposed that he was a cocaine addict. “This was devastating to his dad and mom, Rita Wilson,” the source continued. “But they’ve done everything they can to help him, and fully supported him in his decision to get sober. Tom has pitched in to help Chet out of this nightmare in any way necessary.”

What It’s Like Now: Chet Hanks Is 50 Days Sober

After making the decision to receive treatment in California this past fall to recover from his cocaine addiction, Chet now currently has over 50 days clean and sober. “I can honestly say I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,” he posted publicly on his social network. “I’m thankful for my family and everybody that cares about me, including my fans. I’ve been blessed with the programs, which allow me to rise above this disease. I’m learning to accept my faults and be OK with being human. If anybody that sees this struggles with addiction, feel free to reach out.” Growing up in the public eye can be difficult because life is viewed under a microscope where it may seem as though the world is constantly critiquing every decision made. “I’m not some caricature of a person who just drinks and smokes weed and parties all the time,” the 24-year-old talks about how his life has significantly changed just over the course of the past few months. “I wouldn’t say that’s what my life is all about.”

Overcoming behaviors of a life during the period of being a cocaine addict can be extremely difficult. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that incapacitates the sufferer from living a manageable life in society. With recent celebrity news like Chet Hanks being inclined to include some kind of substance-related scandal that sparks intrigue to the public reader, it should additionally be made clear to society that it not be overlooked that these individuals are real people that are dealing with a serious illness and should not be critically catechized for their sickness.

Are you or someone you know struggling with a substance use disorder and unsure where to turn? Contact The Watershed for help today to discover how to rid the obsession of drugs and/or alcohol. Recovery is possible for anyone who wishes to attain it, including you.